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Homeschool

The Yay! Factor

Yay! Summer is almost over, and it’s about time to tackle another school year. Yes, I did say "yay!" About this time every summer, I start to miss the routine the school year brings. I am also anxious to dive into the new and exciting curriculum I purchased after pondering over the choices for months. Can anyone relate? The struggle is real my fellow homeschoolers…right?

Balanced Dewey Decimal Diet

Are you providing your students with a balanced Dewey Decimal diet? I am challenging my children to read at least one book from each Dewey Decimal category for the Summer Learning Program. We will also take time this summer to review where each specific section is shelved at our local MCPL branch.

Traveling The Underground Railroad

My family had the honor and privilege of experiencing the mesmerizing storytelling of Brother John at MCPL’s Lee's Summit Branch. Brother John brought the Underground Railroad to life in a way that totally captured our senses. We literally felt the weight of the chains used to shackle human beings like animals. We heard songs that contained code for the daring escapes.

Art Appreciation

Art appreciation is something we spend very little time exploring during our school year. With all the core subjects we try to accomplish every day, art just seems to constantly be put on the back burner. Because this is the case, we are going to make a dedicated effort to study a few artists the during remainder of the school year.

Something You May Want, Need, Wear, or Read

A friend recently told me about a neat family tradition they do at Christmastime. For each child, they give four gifts that correspond with the rhyme, “Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.” It inspired me to share with you four of my favorite holiday ideas!

Hooray for Constitution Day!

Did you know that September 17, 2016, was Constitution Day? Yep, it was, and it happens every year on September 17. Heard of the 4th of July? Of course! We can thank the Continental Congress for declaring our nation's independence in 1776 and subsequently creating one of America's most vibrant holidays, complete with fireworks, picnics, and celebrations abounding. But it wasn't until September 17, 1787 that our Founding Fathers signed one of the most influential documents of all time.

Monster Match

I am going to begin by saying that teaching writing is a challenge in our homeschool. It is banging-my-head-on-the-table-with-frustration challenging! I have two reluctant writers and one who seems to have been able to write complete, thoughtful, and expressive sentences since day one. Over the years, we have made progress and tried many writing activities. We enjoyed "monster match" the most, and I thought I would share the concept.

MCPL's Bargain: More Bang for Your Buck

Many of you are bargain shoppers on an “Olympic” level. You know who you are; you always seem to find fantastic discounts on gently used curriculum, you clip coupons and multiply your savings, and you buy in bulk online with free shipping to boot! I am always impressed with my friends who are such savvy and frugal consumers. Don’t miss out on another great savings at Mid-Continent Public Library!

I'm Bored!

Nine days into our summer break, my daughter came to me and said in her most dramatic tone, “Mom, I’m so bored!” I responded in my equally dramatic tone, “Seriously? You are kidding me, right?” I am also thinking, “It has only been nine days!”

"I'm so bored" seems to come every year; its partners are bickering and the kids getting on each other’s nerves. When this happens, I ask them if they have checked anything off their bored list. Hopefully, some of the items on our bored list will spark some inspiration in your home if you are hearing "I’m bored," too.

Synergizing Subjects

Many of you are wrapping up the school year and getting ready to order materials for next fall. Consider synergizing subjects to get more bang for your buck! I combine two subjects to create a better effect and maximize time resources, i.e., synergy.